September 19 Groundbreaking

Tim Burden, very proud of what we are doing, giving thanks to all who helped.

On Friday September 19, 2014, project partners, dignitaries and future residents gathered at the site to kick off construction activities. Tim Burden gave thanks to the many people who have worked long and hard to get this amazing project to this point. In particular, Jean Derenzy, Director of Grand Traverse County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has been a steady force whose professionalism and tireless dedication are greatly appreciated. Senator Howard Walker and Representative Wayne Schmidt were thanked for their assistance and support and the MDEQ and MEDC for funding that made this project possible. And the City and DDA were acknowledged for their helpful and supportive roles.

Dave Whiteford, Partner and Architect/Contractor, gets excited about the Townhouse designs. Supported by Barb Cooper of Century 21 Real Estate.

Partner and Architect/Contractor Dave Whiteford spoke of the design aspects and features that make this project so unique. Dave acknowledged the creative efforts of Sean Flaherty in the design of the buildings and floor plans (and all the fun he is having). Design flexibility allows clients to customize their townhome to fit their individual space needs and lifestyle and our clients have appreciated Sean’s coaching and helpful attitude.

A preliminary rendering of building AB was on display, showing off the classic brick exterior facades with contemporary color accents. Decks and bay windows provide variation and shadows that bring give the structure character.

Project Manager Mike Wills extolling the virtues of Green Roofs

Project Manager Mike Wills reminded all how fortunate we are to have the Boardman River, a blue-ribbon trout stream, running right through downtown. Protection of that precious resource is just one of the reasons why we have decided on green roofs as a key feature of the Uptown townhomes.

Uptown is proud to take a leadership role in implementing a “green” roof model for the rest of the community. A green roof — also known as a garden roof, vegetated roof, living roof, or eco-roof provides a “contained” landscape on top of a human-made structure that helps to cool the building in the summer and protect the roofing from the damaging rays of the sun.

Groundbreaking with help from our little friends.

After the partners turned over the first shovels full of dirt, the little ones jumped in to do their part. As hard as they worked, though, there is a lot more digging to be done and Molon Excavating will be on-site before the end of the month with some heavy equipment to get right at it. We are thankful to finally get started and looking forward to seeing some action on the site.

AKT Peerless, our environmental consulting firm, deserves a huge Thank You for their guidance and persistence in getting us through the brownfield reclamation process. They will be managing the site preparation work for us, which should be completed around the end of October. Following that concrete and steel piers will be formed in 35′ deep holes augered into the ground to support the structures. Once that is complete, framing will begin. Occupancy is expected in July or August 2015.

Midtown Development Inc. is the premier infill developer in Traverse City with extensive experience in downtown residential condominiums. We understand the movement to return to urban living and subscribe to the principles of the New Urbanism and Smart Growth. Our developments resonate with the groundswell of people who are focused on sustainability and a desire to live “green”. Projects include River’s Edge, Midtown Centre, Fairway Hills and Traditions.